WINTER IS COMING Don’t Let Those Pipes Freeze!
Why Dryer Balls Win This Season
Depending on where you live, you may already be experiencing freezing temperatures that signal the impending approach of winter. But while you can bundle up and protect yourself from the cold, your home can’t, so you need to find ways to protect it from winter damage. One such area that’s often overlooked is the plumbing system. When water freezes, its volume expands. When this happens inside of a pipe, it’s at risk of bursting. Water will begin to pour out of the busted pipe into your home until the water is shut off somewhere upstream. You’ll have to call a plumber to repair the broken pipes and may even need to replace your floors if they suffered from too much water damage. Thankfully, you can take some preventive measures to avoid the risk of freezing pipes.
Laundry is never fun, and more layers in the fall means more laundry! That translates to more money spent on energy for the washer and drying, especially if you need to clean bulky winter jackets or heavy socks. If you’re dreading the increased bill, try dryer balls! Dryer balls save money. Dryer balls are plastic or wool balls you toss into your dryer before running the load. Due to their shape, dryer balls separate clothing as they roll around in the drum. The added space between items allows more hot air to pass over your clothes, drying them faster. Manufacturers estimate that dryer balls can shave off 25 minutes of dry time, reducing average dryer running costs from $91.20 annually to $54.72! Dryer balls are also great for machine maintenance costs because they won’t clog the dryer’s lint filter screen or chute as dryer sheets do. Dryer vent cleanings typically cost over a hundred dollars but can be even more depending on the state of the vent. Dryer balls help the environment. Dryer balls are eco-friendly because they’re reusable, unlike dryer sheets, which cannot be recycled because of their materials. So, by using dryer balls, you can help keep tons of waste from landfills. The dryer is a home’s third most energy-consuming appliance, resulting in 2,400 pounds of carbon emissions per household yearly. Since you’ll be running your dryer for less time each load with dryer balls, you’ll also be helping the environment by curbing your emissions. Top Dryer Balls for Your Family You can find dryer balls at your supermarket if you’re in a pinch, but if you need a specific type of dryer ball, look no further than these three brands! Smart Sheep: These extra-large wool dryer balls come in a pack of six and cost just over $16. They’re organic and made from New Zealand wool. Whitmor: This spiky plastic dryer ball option is under $10 and naturally helps soften and fluff fabrics, meaning you can save on fabric softener, too. SnugPad: These wool dryer balls are best for bulkier loads or items that take a long time to dry. They’re under $10 and organic! Don’t let piles of laundry cost you this autumn. Swap out your dryer sheets for dryer balls today!
Proper Insulation
Insulation should be installed around the pipes throughout your home. You can use special insulating tape or tube-shaped foam sleeves to protect your pipes in areas vulnerable to the cold. You should also check your attic insulation to ensure it’s helping keep the house warm. Block any gaps in your doors or windows with caulking and weather stripping to keep the cold air out.
Consistent Heating and Running Water
When you leave your home for work or vacation, you need to ensure the temperature does not drop too much in your home. Keep the heat on and leave your thermostat at a minimum of 55 degrees F. Keep one of your faucets open with a slow steady drip, but be sure to choose a tap that’s far from your main water shut-off valve
to help relieve the pressure that an ice blockage could cause. Any cabinets that
have plumbing within them (like under your sinks) should be kept open. Your warm house air will help prevent the pipes from freezing over.
When a pipe bursts, you could be looking at expensive fees to get it repaired, so it’s much better to be proactive than reactive. Follow these tips and you shouldn’t need to worry about your pipes freezing this winter!
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